NEAL ALLEY SHARES EARLY VALLEY AIR INDUSTRY PHOTOS

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Lockheed Lodestar Aircraft - likely at Glendale Central Airport - c. 1940 - Collection of Neil Alley.

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The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Acquisitions Committee
gary.fredburg@TheMuseumSFV.org
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419  (mailing address)
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230

THE MUSEUM’S TELEPHONE
1 (818) 347-9665

THE MUSEUM'S EMAILS
gerald.fecht@TheMuseumSFV.org

info@TheMuseumSFV.org

THE MUSEUM’S BLOG

museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com

THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

www.TheMuseumSFV.org

L.A. VALLEY COLLEGE ART GALLERY CELEBRATES 50th YEAR

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Come join The Museum Community as we honor the 50th year of the great art gallery space at Los Angeles Valley College. (click on this image to enlarge it.)

CHARLES FREDRICKS HAD A SHORT BUT IMPORTANT FILM CAREER

 BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Charles Fredericks  1918 - 1970

 Photo from musical Show Boat - Collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2014,

Charles Fredericks was an actor, known for Tender Is the Night (1962), Tarzan's Hidden Jungle (1955) and The Cabinet of Caligari (1962).   Fredericks starred in the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera's production of Victor Herbert's The Red Mill. He He died on May 14, 1970 in Sherman Oaks, California.

ART EXHIBIT PRODUCED BY 11:11 A CREATIVE COLLECTIVE BEGINS 2/21/14 IN TARZANA

11:11 A Creative Collective announces a new exhibit called “Sudden Impact,” which opens on Friday, 2/21 in Tarzana and features works of more than 35 artists from across the San Fernando Valley’s cultural and academic institutions.

Photographer Erin Stone is the curator for the Sudden Impact art exhibit, Thursday, February 20, 2014. The exhibition opens Friday, February 21, in Tarzana, and is being put on by a San Fernando Valley art collective, 11:11 A Creative Collective, with the goal of creating and strengthening support systems for local artists and art. (Photo by Michael Owen Baker/L.A. Daily News)

There will also be artwork from students from Cal State Northridge, Pierce and Los Angeles Valley Colleges and local artists. The exhibit will run through March.

For more information, please visit:  http://www.1111acc.org/

To view the Daily News Article - please click HERE.

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER TAKING SHAPE

Thanks to hard work from Carolyn Uhri, Vice President of the San Fernando Valley Arts Council and Juliana Martinez, Director of Public Art and support from additional members in this organization along with other Valley-based arts organizations, all are making headway on a new arts and cultural center in Tarzana.

There was a recent article in the Daily News - please click on this link:

Daily News Article on SFV Arts & Cultural Center

WHEAT FARMING WAS IMPORTANT IN THE VALLEY IN THE LATE 1800s

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Issac Lankershim and his son in law Issac Van Nuys owned and directed great wheat raising ranches in the San Fernando Valley.

Reaping wheat in early North Hollywood, when it was still called Lankershim. (Click on image to enlarge it.)

Some histories of the San Fernando Valley refer to these workers in the late 1800s as "itinerant farm workers."  Farm workers they were for sure, but the fact that they were necessarily migrant workers is debatable. When the Mission San Fernando Rey de España was secularized, many Tongva Indians were displaced from their homes or barracks. Homeless "Mission Indians" lived where they could, often in shack-like buildings at the edge of washes.
Click on this photograph to get a close up view of these workers.

GREEN LIVING EVENT IN STUDIO CITY

99 YEARS AGO GLENDALE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WERE PLANNING GRADUATION

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

I probably should have saved this entry for next year, but it is just too good not to share. Besides The Museum has a California State University Northridge graduate student working on The Museum's effort to discover and preserve Glendale history.

Glendale High School Commencement program 1915 - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014. (click on images to enlarge them.)

ANN BLYTH SUPERSTAR MADE HER HOME IN TOLUCA LAKE

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

On the corner of Moorpark Street and Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood stands one of the San Fernando Valley's most impressive Catholic churches, Saint Charles Borromeo. This impressive building was financed by contributions chiefly from successful members of the Valley's entertainment community. Among these was the Academy Award winning actress Ann Blyth who made her home in Toluca Lake.  Among her many memorable performances was her award in the 1945 film, Mildred Pierce.

Ann Blyth - fan card photograph - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

RARE OLD AUTO CLUB MAP TEACHES HOW THE MUSEUM CATALOGUES ITS ACQUISITIONS

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Several volunteers from California State University Northridge will be working in the next few weeks on projects for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. To those who are working on The Museum's archives, I thought it might be useful to demonstrate through this recent donation how our present record keeping is done. This will also show followers of this blog a important addition to our collection as well as our record keeping process.

Los Angeles to the San Fernando Valley - dashboard map - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.  (click on this image to enlarge it.)

(first cross reference entry)
214-001-6440  -  Auto Club Map - LA to San Fernando Valley -  map

214 =  month and year of entry/donation
001 =  donor code number  (in this case Gary Fredurg)
6440 =  number assigned to artifact / document

(detailed reference entry)
 Auto Club Map of San Fernando Valley
artifact number:  214-001-6440
condition: minor acid paper aging - very good - in plastic sheet
donor: Gary Fredburg
location:  Jerry Fecht's studio - boxed
scanned / used on blog:  February 2014 - general interest / teaching tool
notes:  Map shows very early Los Angeles and Glendale suburbs: Lankershim was name for North Hollywood until 1921,  Marian was the name for Reseda until 1921, Universal City is shown as an extensive community along Ventura Boulevard, Zelzah is shown, Owensmouth is used instead of Canoga Park until 1931. Calabasas is shown at bottom left but not as a community. Chatsworth is called Chatsworth Park.
Reverse: "Official Hotels" include Elizabeth Hotel in Burbank, and Porter Hotel in San Fernando.
"Official Garages"  San Fernando: Willis Rowe, Tucker's Ford Sa;es:  Lankershim: Phelp's Motor Co.,  Burbank: O.C. Lane Garage,  Loverjoy Garage, Nicholson's Garage  Glendale: J & K Garage. Parker and White Auto Co.,  Chatsworth:  Alamo Garage

(Value record)
While The Museum does not make appraisals of artifacts, a record is kept re: the item's value to The Museum collection.

Support The Museum's collection of Valley maps and geographic history

Donate tax-deductible videos, photographs, records and other artifacts to your Museum today.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Acquisitions Committee
gary.fredburg@TheMuseumSFV.org
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419  (mailing address)
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230

THE MUSEUM’S TELEPHONE
1 (818) 347-9665

THE MUSEUM'S EMAILS
gerald.fecht@TheMuseumSFV.org

info@TheMuseumSFV.org

THE MUSEUM’S BLOG

museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com

THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

www.TheMuseumSFV.org

CACHE OF EARLY 1980s PHOTOS

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Periodically, small collections of photographs arrive to The Museum. Typically, they are slightly faded images of the kind that families simply discard when they downsize their homes or simplify their lives. I've included examples of these kinds of pictures to give an example of the problems such images present and their potential value to San Fernando Valley history.  Let's take a look.

 Los Angeles River in Studio City 1982  - Image 6378

This location has yet to be identified. Area before proposed restoration of the river.

 Residential house on Ethel Avenue in North Hollywood - Likely now in Valley Glen. - 6382

Intersection of Magnolia and Lankershim in North Hollywood 1982 -  image No. 6379

 Los Angeles Valley College 9182    image No. 6374  - Valley Glen

Chandler Avenue - suburb unknown January 1981   -   Image number 6371

GLENDALE'S BUSINESS DISTRI

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

As an element of his political campaign, Larry Zarian had his supporters mail postcards to their friends. Part of the message read: "Above all, I know that Larry Zarian is a person of absolute honesty and integrity."

Political postcard - Glendale's Business District - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.  (click on image to enlarge it.)

MALA POWERS WAS A MULTI-TALENTED PERFORMER

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

 Mala Powers -  1931 to 2007

Mala Powers was a highly talented and widely loved actress in the 1950s and '60s. She starred in film, in live theater, on radio and television. During the Korean War, Ms. Powers worked for the USO and experienced a life crippling lung disease during her travels.  Mala Powers died of leukemia Burbank in 2007. She is buried in the Forest Lawn cemetery in Glendale.

VALLEY HEROES OF 1943

BUILDING A GR EAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

 DELBERT J. MAINARD

As a recent graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Del Mainard enlisted in the United States Army on March 3, 1943. In that year he was assigned to the Military Police and Radio Communications Departments of the Army. Mainard's family resided on East Angelino Avenue in Burbank.

 ELLIS P. COURON

On December 13, 1943, Ellis Couron enlisted in the United States Navy. In 1943 he worked as a Fireman First Class. Ellis was born on may 1, 1923. He graduated from North Hollywood High School in the Winter Class of 1941. His mother lived on North Naomi Street in North Hollywood. 

 DAVID E. LEWIS

Private First Class, David Lewis worked for Vega Aircraft until enlisting in the United States Army Air Force on January 19, 1942. The son of Mrs. W. Lewis of North Hollywood, David served in the Technical Division. His family lived on Albers Street in North Hollywood.  

 

ALEXANDER LOPEZ

Alexander Lopez enlisted in the United States Army Air Force on February 15, 1943. At the time he was living on Mott Street in San Fernando. Prior to becoming a mechanic on Flying Fortresses,  Alex worked for the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. Private First Class Lopez received his military training at the Amarillo Army Air Field in Texas. 

GEORGE AFTERGOOD Jr.

Pharmacist mate 3rd Class, George Aftergood Jr. enlisted in the United States Nacy on June 1, 1942, just four months after graduating from Fairfax High School.  In 1943, his parents were living on Sarah Street in North Hollywood. After completing his training at the Hospital Corps School in San Diago, George was assigned to a Naval hospital in the South Pacific. Before going into the Navy, he worked for his father at Hollyvogue Knitting Mills in Los Angeles.

MOVIE TOUGH MAN BRIAN DONLEVY

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Brain Donlevy is among the hundreds of entertainers, actors and musicians who have made the San Fernando Valley home. Many performers keep or have kept apartments or condos near the studios where they work. Donlevy worked extensively as a film and television actor, and died in the Motion Picture Home in Woodland Hills. 

Brian Donlevy   - Irish-American actor   1901 to 1972

Fan photograph - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014

RICHARD HILTON RECEIVES HONORS FROM THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

 The following is a statement made by Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch Englander at the honoring of Richard Hilton on February 7th.

"Over the years, I’m proud of the work we have accomplished with the Arts Community to promote and preserve the history and culture of the San Fernando Valley.

Today, I was humbled to honor Richard Hilton, a long-time member and founding board director of the Museum of the San Fernando Valley. Richard, an accomplished author, photographer, and preservationist has worked to share with the greater community the love he has for the San Fernando Valley. Over the years, he researched, organized and conducted historic walking tours of North Hollywood, Van Nuys, the Oakridge Estate in Northridge and bus tours of Northridge and Granada Hills.

Additionally, he was instrumental in the creation of the “Narrating Lives” Oral Histories Program, (a program funded by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs) preserving and recoding dozens of oral and visual stories of Valley residents for future generations.

When the Museum of the San Fernando Valley, through their Public Art Initiative, first approached my office about the challenges the arts community was facing, we were eager combine our efforts and lend support. We have been involved in initial planning meetings helping the Public Art Initiative take shape and converted our Community Service Center into a community gallery hosting artist receptions and community events, resulting in the sale of several art pieces.

Since then, we have seen the arts community flourish and come together with the formation of the San Fernando Valley Arts Council and the Valley Arts Alliance. The SFV Arts Council and the Valley Arts Alliance meets every second Monday of the month from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at 7100 Hayvenhurst Ave in Van Nuys.

We have also hosted community meetings helping artists and arts organizations connect with funding sources and contacts like Arts for LA, LA County Arts Commission and the Department of Cultural Affairs. We are committed to helping our local artists and arts organizations thrive.

The Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs provides a number of programs and grants to support local artist and arts organizations. To view a complete list of opportunities available, http://www.culturela.org/grants/index.html. For additional opportunities available through the LA County Arts Commission , http://www.lacountyarts.org/grants.html."

-Mitchell Englander, Councilmember Twelfth District

 

Pictured: Roger Dolin, local artist; Levi Ponce, muralist; Jerry Fecht, Past President of the Museum of the San Fernando Valley; Councilmember Englander; Richard Hilton, Museum Board Member; Councilmember Paul Krekorian; Scott Sterling, President of the Museum of the San Fernando Valley; and Rania Simms, Museum Board Member.

THE HISTORIC VALLEY INN IN ENCINO

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Jim Otto, first owner of the historic Valley Inn in Encino. 1947 to 1951.  Detail from original menu - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.  (click on images to enlarge them.)

Believe in Dreams? The Listen...   (Introduction on original menu) 

Perhaps you have just ordered dinner. While awaiting its arrival you glance at the menu. Unusual, is it not" you've noticed too that the entire atmosphere here is different. Accident/or design? Let's say, rather, that it is a dream than a reality. It is a dream that has become a reality.It happened during the earlier days of the ar. A man and his wife sat in a small room in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. She had arrived that day from Van Nuys, California, to be with him on his last weekend. Tomorrow would find him on his way to the South Pacific.Talk had been desultory  – forced. Would he be back, both thought this. Neither mentioned it. For awhile they talk of their family – three boys and a girl. That, too, wrenched. Suddenly, the wife had an idea. Casual like, she said "just what plans have you made for when you return?"" He brightened, then answered: "ever since I was a kid I've had an idea for a restaurant that would be just a little different. You know…"
Well, he came back. And you're sitting in that very restaurant. It didn't just happen, at that. There were three long years of letter writing between these two. The letter had a similarity of start and finish. The start,.
Sure! She just had another idea for his restaurant. And so it went throughout the long and uncertain wait until finally it was all over and he came home.

With a background of 15 years in this business he was anxious to get started. Building conditions, however, hampered him for quite some time.
Them, at long last, the site of this present building became available. The results are all around you.We'd like for you to study them well. Enjoy them. And on your way out say hello to your host Jim Otto, the guy who had the dream and lived to see if to see its fulfillment.

And come again won't you?

 Bar in the historic Valley Inn 2014 - Photo by Jerry Fecht

 Furnishings in the original Valley Inn c. 1948

"LASH" LA RUE WAS AN AMERICAN MOVIE HERO

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Alfred LaRue was a different kind of cowboy hero in the movies. He wore black, had a pronounced inner city east coast accent, and used a bull whip to subdue his screen enemies of truth, justice and the American way. While Lash, as he was called, spent much of his time promoting his career by trips across the country, he lived and worked chiefly in Studio City at Republic Pictures. For millions of American kids, Lash LaRue proved that tough guys could be good guys.

Lash LaRue died in Burbank, California and is buried in the Valley's Glendale Forest Lawn cemetery.

Alfred "Lash" LaRue

1917 to 1995

Al LaRue fan photo - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2014.

THE VALLEY'S WORLD WAR II HEROES

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

     Since the Valley Times published its Honor Roll Album in 1943, nearly all of the men and women featured in the publication are gone. Even the youngest of these military heroes 71 years later would be in their 90s.  Your Museum is determined to recognize the service of every single person whose lives related to the Valley - a huge, and likley a never ending task. But, because their lives were put in harms way for our liberties, we think the effort is worth it. 

     Recently, and much to our good fortune, Mr. Dennis Spiegelman donated a priceless pbulication, the Valley Times Honor Roll, published in 1943 by the Valley News Corporation in North Hollywood. The soft bound book contains the names, a short history and even the address of over 100 Valley service men and women. Here are some of our Valley neighbors who put their lives on the line for us.

 F. Arnold Bratton

Pharmacist's mate, 3rd class, who joined the US Navy on April 27, 1942. He left the jopb of assistant manger of the Studio City Theatre. He lived on Weddington Street in North Hollywood.

 Donald G. Ingalls

Aviation cadet, Donald Ingalls was a civil service accountant before entering the US Army Air Corps on December 12, 1942.  He was at this time stationed at Kelly Field, Texas. He lived on Beck Avenue in North Hollywood.  (click on images to enlarge them.) 

 Chris Jensen Jr.

A private in the US Army Air Force, Chris Jensen entered the service on January 19, 1943. In civilian life he was a plasterer, living with his parents on Ben Avenue in North Hollywood.

 Fred R. Nehen

An electrician's mate aboard the USS Maddox, Fred Nehen enlisted in the US Navy on December 26, 1941. He was 22 years old when this photograph was published.

Before entering the service Fred was a carpenter living with his family on Hazelhurst Place in North Hollywood. He attended Navy electrical and sound motion picture schools in San Diego.

 Richard R. Porter Jr.

Technical corporal in the 736th Tank Battalion, Richard Porter lived on Wilkinson Avenue in North Hollywood before entering the service on January 19th, 1943. He was a service station attendant at the Standard Oil Service Station when he attended North Hollywood High School. He graduated in the Class of 1942. He was the student foreman of the school's sheet metal shop.